Valentine’s Day has meant many different things to me over the years. Good times. Bad times. Awkward dates. I’ve embraced it wholeheartedly some years (planning a weekend away with friends) and scorned it other years (stayed at home eating chocolate and watching The Hurt Locker.) I’m sure as I continue to grow and evolve, so will my relationship to Valentine’s Day. Now that I write about love, sex and dating for a living, Valentine’s Day feels more like a two month long work event – not that I mind. I actually think that Valentine’s Day is really fun – after all, it is the season of one of my favorite color palettes. So, I’ve decided that going forward, I’m going to make a point to enjoy Valentine’s Day in all it’s puffy heart glory – no matter what.
My best friend and I have a fun getaway planned for the following weekend, so I’m going to spend Sunday being cozy and enjoying some of my favorite books, shows and podcasts. If you’re looking to inject a bit of fun or pampering into your V-day this year, here are some of things me and the rest of the team at Skinny Dip are currently obsessed with.
1. This Betsey Johnson “Pop Art” Robe – While sexy lingerie is great and all, never underestimate the awesomeness of a cozy bathrobe. This pop art inspired robe by Betsey Johnson is perfect for a sex and relationship writer like me, who probably spends more time than she should in cozy lounge wear.
2. The perfect work bag – If I was going to plurge on anything this Valentine’s Day, it would be this bag by Rebecca Minkoff. I spend a lot of time going to and from the coffee shop, meetings and traveling, so I’m always on the lookout for a sturdy, stylish tote to cart my laptop and other necessities around in. I like how the bag is just structured enough without being bulky. However, if I was to actually purchase one, I’d get the larger MAB tote in black to match my heart. (Kidding. About the heart, not the bag.)
3. The Giving Keys (Jewelry) – I’m a huge fan of jewelry that has meaning. Based in downtown Los Angeles, The Giving Keys employ people transitioning out of homelessness. They engrave recycled keys that are then turned into jewelry. When I read about the company’s story online, I fell in love with the idea and ordered myself a key necklace that says “Brave” as a Christmas present. If you’ve ever been to Downtown LA or the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, you’re aware that homelessness is a very real problem. So, I really like supporting a company that is making gorgeous products infused with personal meaning while helping the community. I think my next purchase will be a bracelet or something from the love collection.
4. Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour by Dita Von Teese – If what you’re after is the perfect retro glamor beauty look, Dita’s new book is right up your alley. I really liked Dita’s coffee table book Burlesque & The Art of Teese and am curious to see what this one has in store. At the very least, I think it will offer some alternative beauty inspiration for those of us out there who prefer a classic red lip and arched brows, to the ubiquitous, airbrushed and contoured-to-hell, Kardashian-esque makeup look that seems to be all the rage right now.
5. Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date by Katie Heaney – “I’ve been single for my entire life. Not one boyfriend. Not one short-term dating situation. Not one person with whom I regularly hung out and kissed on the face.” So begins Heaney’s memoir about being very unlucky in love. I haven’t actually read this one yet, but it’s sitting on the top of my to-read pile. By the sounds of it, this laugh out loud memoir is the perfect anti-love story to indulge in this weekend.
6. I Don’t Care About Your Band by Julie Klausner – I know I’ve mentioned this book before, but this memoir about dating disasters and all the life lessons that can be pulled from the wreckage, is still one of my favorites as far as anti-Valentine’s day reads. It’s a must-read if you enjoy this blog.
7. And the Heart Says Whatever by Emily Gould – The title says it all. Although the book got mixed reviews, I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. Gould perfectly captures early 20-something angst & everything that goes along with it.
8. Lianne La Havas – Blood – As far as albums go, this one is nearly flawless. Lianne’s voice – which is equal parts strong and breathy – is simply gorgeous. I can easily listen to this album on repeat without ever pressing skip. Also, the cover art? Swoon.
9. Jane the Virgin – I am completely in love with this show. It’s tongue in cheek, ridiculously addictive and features a host of strong female characters. It’s also not hard to love Gina Rodriguez’ performance as Jane. This show reminds me of another favorite: Ugly Betty. I can’t believe it took me this long to start watching.
What are you currently obsessed with?
